1. GENERAL PROCEDURES

1.1 Conduct of the Process

To ensure that CARAC functions effectively, the procedures contained herein will guide its conduct. As previously stated, CARAC activities are conducted based on two phases of work, a study/evaluation phase and an implementation phase.

1.2 Study/Evaluation Phase

The study/evaluation phase of a CARAC task assignment includes the following:

• Issue identification;
• CARC consideration and referral to appropriate Technical Committee;
• Technical Committee assessment;
• Formation of Working Groups and selection of participants, as required;
• Development of Working Group Terms of Reference, when working group is established;
• Working Group orientation of the CARAC process and familiarization with the assigned task(s), if required;
• Development of work plan (detailed activities and schedules);
• Identification of problem areas;
• Analysis of recommendations and identification of options for improvement;
• Risk and impact assessments;
• Development and submission of proposal (preferred option);
• Formal consultation of Working Group final report with members of the Working Group;
• Submission of progress reports to the Technical Committee;
• Technical Committee review and development of recommendations;
• CARC review and approval;
• Consideration of benefit/cost, competitive impact, environmental impact, implementability, and consideration of equitability issues and the effect on technology/business innovation;
• Development of implementation plans for approved proposals;
• Consultation with notices sent to the aviation community; and
• Monitoring and reporting on implementation activities.

1.3 Implementation Phase

The implementation phase will consist of monitoring and reporting on the disposition of recommendations, proposals and implementation action plans and schedules.

1.4 Defining and Assigning CARAC Tasks

Tasks approved for assignment to a Technical Committee typically consist of NPAs and Discussion Items. The definition of a CARAC task will include the following:

• the objective of the task (e.g., a description of what the Technical Committee is requested to review) including references to specific regulations, standards and advisory material, if appropriate;
• a definition of what the final product is expected to be;
• a date by which the Technical Committee must review it and advise the CARC that it will undertake the task as defined; and
• a date by which the Technical Committee must complete the task.

The Technical Committee may choose to accept the task, modify it or reject it. If the Technical Committee proposes any significant changes to the task’s scope or subject matter, CARC must approve the changes before the Technical Committee may proceed. If the Technical Committee rejects the task, no further CARAC activity takes place and TCCA may then consider proceeding with the project internally. In such cases, however, the Technical Committee shall provide an explanation or dissents, in writing, to the CARC for not accepting the task.

1.5 New Technical Committee Tasks or Establishment of Working Groups

Whenever a new task is assigned to a Technical Committee or a new Working Group is established, a notice to that effect will be published on the web site or any other media at the disposal of the Secretariat. Such notification will be distributed at least four weeks before the action in the notification is due. The notice serves to advise members of the activity and to seek their input and participation.

1.6 Participation of Interested Persons in CARAC

If an issue is assigned to a Technical Committee, each CARAC member is entitled to participate in the consultations by attending meetings or by submitting written information, views or arguments. In addition, when an issue is submitted by a petitioner, he/she may also be requested to answer questions on the information originally submitted or to comment on the views and arguments submitted by CARAC members, if the CARC considers it desirable.

Persons wishing to become members of CARAC should advise the CARAC Secretariat by fax at (613) 990-1198 or by e-mail at CARRAC@TC.GC.CA. The information provided with the request is identified in Section 1.8 of Division II, Public Notification.

1.7 Provision of Information

The Secretariat will ensure that all relevant information is made available to members of the aviation community before they are discussed at a Technical Committee meeting. As a general rule, only information contained in the submission, as provided in the notice of meeting, will be open for discussion at a meeting. Only additional or clarifying information should be provided at the meeting. If it is acceptable to Technical Committee members, materials may be distributed for formal discussion at a later meeting. Such materials would be for advance notification or to provide background information. Accordingly, a notice of meeting will be published containing the following:

• a formal announcement of the meeting;
• the agenda; and
• a copy of all relevant information to be discussed.

1.8 Public Notification

To maximize the openness of the process, the Secretariat must ensure that CARAC members are properly notified on all relevant issues. To achieve this goal, a CARAC member database has been developed and is maintained by periodically asking members to update the information contained therein. Nonetheless, CARAC members should advise the Secretariat of any changes as they occur to ensure that material is properly distributed. A summary of members is also available on the Transport Canada web site. The database comprises the following information:

• Name;
• Title;
• Organization;
• Address;
• Telephone and Fax numbers; and
• Identification of the area(s) of interest (e.g., Commercial Air Services, Aircraft Certification) in which the member would like to participate and the type of membership sought.